A poll shows an early lead for former Quebec Health Minister Philippe Couillard in the race to replace Jean Charest as Liberal leader.

A CROP survey of 800 people for La Presse and Le Soleil shows Couillard wth a nearly two-to-one lead over Raymond Bachand, 32 per cent to 18.

It's almost a five-to-one lead over Pierre Moreau, who has seven per cent backing.

A majority of Quebecers said they wanted to see the Charbonneau Commision report before another election is called.

The first leadership debate, in French, is scheduled for early tomorrow afternoon at College de Maisonneuve.

An English debate is scheduled for two weeks from now at Concordia.

The party chooses a new leader in mid-March.